Learning, whether in-person or virtual, is most successful when students are active and engaged. The transition to e-learning has made student engagement in learning particularly difficult. But at Christopher House, our unique model of personalized education for students, coupled with immersive supports for the entire family, is showing success, with a remarkable 95% average daily attendance during remote learning. The…
The ‘Second Surge’ Should Keep CPS Kids At Home, Period!
Today, city leaders announced the ‘second surge’ of coronavirus is upon us. Experts have predicted it was coming for months. Yet, on Friday, the Chicago Public Schools announced it was planning a return to school in November for preK students and students with the most significant need for in person special education. This makes zero sense, not only to me,…
Gates’ New Grand Challenge Wants to Change Algebra I from a Gatekeeper to a Gateway
Yesterday, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation announced it will be making substantial grants to educators with groundbreaking strategies to make Algebra I more relevant to and equitable for young people who have been historically locked out of higher mathematics–meaning Black and Brown young people, especially those in poverty. Honestly, even more advantaged students can be derailed by a poor…
CPS Black Student Achievement Task Force Now in Development
Thanks to the advocacy of Natasha Dunn, Tanesha Peeples and other Black parents and community advocates, the Chicago Public Schools has agreed to launch a Black Student Achievement Task Force.
Arte en Casa/Art at Home
En este video, mi amigo, Maestro Jesús Oviedo, mostró proyectos artísticos que familias pueden hacer en casa con agua, pintura y jabón. In this video, my friend, teacher Jesús Oviedo, demonstrates art projects that families can do at home with water, paint and soap. Maestro Jesús, an artist and early childhood educator, shared some thoughts on how art inspires deep…
Two Strategies We’re Not Hearing Enough: Outdoor Learning and Building Trust with Families
Last night I had the great pleasure to speak with my friend Marisol Quevedo Rerucha of the National Parents Union during her nightly restorative check-in. If you need to catch your breath, she has a nice breathing exercise for you! We had the opportunity to discuss two strategies to support learning that aren’t getting enough air time during the pandemic:…
Here’s How One Chicago Family Is Trying Hybrid Learning with a Twist: Outdoor Classes
And that family is…mine. Regular readers here know that I made a case before the school year started for Chicago Public Schools to partner with the Chicago Park District to offer “remote-plus” learning: mostly remote at home but with opportunities for teachers and students to gather in socially distant outdoor spaces. I wanted this opportunity for my own daughter so…
L.A. Parents Sue Their District Over Remote Learning. Will Chicago Parents Follow?
Yesterday afternoon, a group of Latnix and Black parents in Los Angeles announced they have filed a lawsuit agains the Los Angeles Unified School District. The parents claim LAUSD’s remote learning plan falls short of providing students what they need to learn. You can watch the conference–and hear the heartbreaking stories the parents shared regarding inadequate support for parents and…